Press Release: Gov. Evers Delivers Radio Address, Encourages Wisconsinites to Purchase Annual State Park Pass When Renewing Vehicle Registration

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 06/25/2026 02:00 PM CDT
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2026
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers Delivers Radio Address, Encourages Wisconsinites to Purchase Annual State Park Pass When Renewing Vehicle Registration
 
Audio File of Radio Address.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered his radio address and highlighted the launch of a new partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to make it even easier for Wisconsinites to enjoy Wisconsin State Parks. Wisconsinites can now order their annual Wisconsin 12-month state park and forest vehicle admission pass while renewing their annual vehicle registration with the DMV. This partnership is helping connect the dots to help streamline state services for Wisconsin residents and improve government efficiency, while helping to generate consistent revenue for the state.

Previously, state park passes were issued based on the calendar year, but today’s announcement was made possible by legislation signed by Gov. Evers in 2024 to make the DNR state park pass valid for a full 12 months from the date of purchase, much like Wisconsin’s annual vehicle registration renewal. This ensures that Wisconsinites can enjoy all four seasons of Wisconsin’s state parks, no matter what month of the year their vehicle registration is due.

When Wisconsinites renew their vehicle registration online at wisconsindmv.gov/renew, they will have the option to purchase a state park pass at the same time. After opting in to purchase a state park pass, Wisconsinites will make one payment and receive one mailing with the DNR state park pass, vehicle registration stickers, and Certificate of Registration within 7-10 business days. In addition to the collaboration between DNR and WisDOT, support from the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Mail Distribution Services combines the agencies’ two mailings into one for further improved efficiency and cost savings. For same-day service, a state park pass will also be available at kiosks within DMVs when completing a registration renewal.

Additional state park vehicle admission passes can be purchased online on the DNR’s Wisconsin State Parks webpage, at individual state park system properties, or from DNR service centers.

A transcript of Gov. Evers’ radio address is available below.

Hey there, Wisconsin! Governor Tony Evers here with some exciting news.

There’s no doubt that Wisconsin’s state park system is a gem of our state, and thanks to the new partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources, we’re making it even easier for folks to enjoy them.

Wisconsinites can now pick up their 12-month state park pass when you renew your vehicle registration, both online and in person at the local DMV.

By enabling folks to get their state park pass when they renew their registration, we’re streamlining the process and making it easier for Wisconsinites to get the state services they need.

Not only that, but we’re also encouraging folks to get their state park pass year after year, and that means consistent revenue coming into the state.

Because when you register your vehicle or buy a state park pass—or both—that’s money that goes back into our state to help fix the darn roads and keep our parks beautiful for years to come.

That is a win-win-win.

And thanks to legislation I signed to make our state park passes 12-month passes, Wisconsinites don’t have to worry about if it’s January or July—you will get to enjoy our state parks for a full 12 months and all four seasons, no matter when your registration is due.

This is government efficiency at its finest, folks. Maximizing strengths and working together is just good government, and it makes sense.

So, with that, I encourage Wisconsinites to take advantage of this partnership and get your annual state park pass the next time you renew your registration—it’s that easy, folks.

Thank you.  
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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